Management Information Systems Terminology Confusion MIS = the study of information technology in business settings But, MIS is also term to refer to class of systems used to support operational and tactical decisionmaking

A Model for Problem Solving Decision Making Phase Intelligence gathering Design Choice Implementation Monitoring

Decision Making A step in problem solving Intelligence gathering Definition of problem Data gathered on scope Constraints identified Design phase Alternatives identified and assessed Choice Selection of an alternative

Structured vs. Unstructured Problems Structured problems lend themselves to programmed decisions The implication is that a repeatable process can be employed and these can be automated Unstructured problems require unprogrammed decisions

Unstructured Problems Can be addressed (or partially addressed) with Decision Support Systems

Structured Problems Can be addressed by an MIS Three decision models or techniques Optimization Find the best solution Satisficing Find a solution which meets certain criteria Heuristics Rule-based solution generation

Goals of an MIS Provide managers with information Regular, routine operations Control, organize and plan better

Typical Inputs and Outputs Inputs: Information from the TPS Outputs: hard and softcopy reports Scheduled reports On-demand reports Key-indicator (business fundamentals) Exception reports

Functional Perspectives of MIS Financial MIS Will integrate information from multiple sources Functions Costing P&L reporting Auditing Funds management

Functional Perspectives of MIS Manufacturing Design and Engineering Master Production Scheduling Inventory Control Materials Planning Manufacturing and Process Control Quality Control

Functional Perspectives of MIS Marketing Market research Web-based market research Pricing

Functional Perspectives of MIS Transportation and Logistics Route and schedule optimization Human Resources Accounting